By Gbenga Adamolekun
Kaduna: Governor Uba Sani has issued a stark warning against rising threats to Nigeria’s democracy. Are you vigilant enough to defend the hard‑won freedoms secured through years of sacrifice? He urges every citizen to play a role in protecting democracy.
Continuing his remarks, Sani made the call on Friday in Kaduna at a state banquet for the Presidential Media Team, which was touring Federal Government projects in the North-West, where he highlighted ongoing development efforts in the region.
Building on his earlier remarks, he also commended the team for showcasing infrastructure projects under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in Kaduna State, and urged citizens not to be swayed by “self-serving narratives” driven by political interests. This encouragement followed his call for vigilance against anti-democratic moves.
How much do you value the freedoms democracy grants? Sani challenged the audience, “Some of us lost our freedoms. We went to detention. We fought for this democracy.” Imagine yourself in their shoes—what would you do to preserve your rights? He reminded everyone of the sacrifices that paved the way for today’s government.
Referencing some of these sacrifices, the governor specifically mentioned late journalists Bagauda Kaltho and Dele Giwa, while lauding presidential aides Bayo Onanuga, Sunday Dare and Tunde Rahman for defending democracy and promoting government achievements.
Reinforcing this message, Sani posed a crucial question: protecting Nigeria’s democratic progress is a shared responsibility that requires constant vigilance. What role are you prepared to take for your country’s future?
Earlier in the day, setting the backdrop for the banquet, the Presidential Media Team had commended infrastructure development by the Federal and Kaduna State governments, following inspections of key projects across the state during the official tour. This provided further context for the banquet remarks.
During these inspections, projects reviewed included the 35-kilometre Gadan-Gayam-Gwaraji-Kujama roads, a Skills Acquisition Centre and the 300-bed Bola Ahmed Tinubu Specialist Hospital. The delegation, led by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, comprised Sunday Dare, Tunde Rahman, Otega Ogra, and Tope Ajayi.
In addition to these visits, the tour, organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors led by Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo, also featured an inspection of the Kaduna-Kano-Jigawa-Katsina-Maradi railway project.
Reflecting on the impact of these efforts, Onanuga asked whether changes are visible in communities as new infrastructure is installed, and pointed to Kaduna’s transformation as evidence that increased allocations are delivering real benefits under Tinubu’s reforms.
“Governor Uba Sani has demonstrated that he was not just an armchair critic; given the opportunity, he pursues the public good,” Onanuga said.
A Project Desk Officer at the Ministry of Transportation, Mr Abdullahi Yakubu, said the Kaduna-Kano section of the rail project had reached 68 per cent completion and was expected to be completed by December.